Fulham have confirmed the signing Algeria defender Rafik Halliche on a three-year deal from Portuguese side Benfica.

The 23-year-old has moved to Craven Cottage for an undisclosed fee.

Halliche told Fulham's official website: "I'm so happy that my transfer to Fulham has been finalised."

He added: "For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and to be able to play alongside some wonderful players and to be given an opportunity to compete against some fantastic teams for a team like Fulham is something that I've always dreamed of doing."

Halliche, who joined Benfica in 2008 but spent the last two seasons on loan to fellow Portuguese outfit Nacional, is Mark Hughes' side's fourth signing of the summer after Philippe Senderos, Jonathan Greening and Moussa Dembele.

He has won 20 caps for Algeria since making his debut against Senegal in May 2008 and played every minute of their World Cup campaign in South Africa, including the goalless draw with England in Cape Town.